The Next PlayStation Controller May Have A Touchscreen, Opening New Possibilities For Future Games

Up until the PlayStation 4, the controller layout remained unchanged for years. Having said that, the Touchpad on the PlayStation 4 is more or less used as a quick action button in various games and wasn't really explored further. However, according to a new update to Sony's DualShock controller, the touchpad could be replaced with a proper touchscreen.

The patent was spotted by DualShockers, and suggested that the touchscreen can be used for interactive feedback such as showing stats, displaying a mini-map or other functions you need to see on the fly. Sony has already implemented an LED light bar which changes colour according to your gameplay.

It's not the first time we've seen a touchscreen on console controllers. Nintendo's Wii U had a similar concept that did not impress gamers as a whole. The Sega Dreamcast also implemented something similar back in the day which was also a failure when we look at sales figures. However, Sony has been killing it when it comes to console sales all over the world and it may just be a successful implementation for the company if the company implement the latest patent.

Even though this is a patent, for now, it is possible to see a new Dualshock controller with the next generation of Sony PlayStation. Sony is reportedly working on the PlayStation 4 successor and it may be possible that we will see the new controller bundled with PlayStation 5. We can only know for sure once Sony unveils the new console which could release sometime in late 2019/early 2020.